How do you replace the cutter blades in a RYOBI Thicknesser?

Eventually, the cutters will become dull, or they can become damaged over something like a nail in the timber passing through the RYOBI Thicknesser. In either case, the cutters need to be replaced, as original and replacement blades can't be sharpened. 

• The first thing to do is to remove the power from the machine and then give it a good clean down so you can see what you’re doing.
• Then remove the four screws to the dust cover using the supplied Allen key and put that to the side. If you can’t see the cutter, you may need to roll the drum slightly, wearing a glove to protect your hand.
• On the top of the machine there are some tools in the toolbox, which you'll use to change the blades. Using the small spanner, clockwise loosen off all these nuts that secure the blade drum in place.
• Then use it to help lever out the blade system. The cutters that come with the tool are only single-sided, but the replacement ones are double-sided and can simply be flipped over when worn or damaged.
  • It’s important to note that both the original and replacement blades cannot be sharpened. Locate the replacement blade on to the two locating pins in the blade block and then you're up to the fiddly bit of putting the cutter back.
• Inside the drum there is a tensioning spring at each end. These must be in place, or the machine will not work correctly.
• Push the end of the cutter block hard into the spring at one end and then drop in the other end, which is that fiddly bit. Check the cutting block that it’s been installed correctly by pressing down along the cutter. It should spring back freely along its length.
• Grab the alignment jig front the toolbox - this is used to ensure the cutter is aligned perfectly square to the drum as you retighten the blade block in place.
• Looking at the end of the jig, the centre section needs to sit on top of the cutter and the ends sit on the cutting drum. Rest the jig centrally on to the cutter and press it down firmly so the ends rest on the drum.
• You need to maintain this pressure as you re-tighten the first couple of nuts in an anti-clockwise direction, which will hold the block in place.
• You can now remove the jig and finish tightening the rest of the nuts.
• Now go back to the first one and check each one again that they are evenly tightened firmly. As there are two cutters, so you now have to roll the drum and do all that again on the other side.
• With both cutters replaced, double check they are correctly aligned with your jig before fixing the dust cover back on.